Pinnacles National Park

Pinnacles National Park is one of the newest national parks instated to the U.S. in 2013. This park created many “wow” moments for my coworkers and me. Pinnacles National Park is known for the “pinnacles” or peaks of rock formation that you can see from Route 101 in California. It is stunning to see from the road and even more profound close-up. It is also known for the flying condors, or HUGE birds, that nest there. These are commonly mistaken for vultures, which are the birds of which we mistakenly took pictures when we visited in November 2022. The temperature was perfect this time of year, starting in 60s (degrees Fahrenheit) and ending in the 70s. We heard that the summer months can be a little too warm to hike so we were glad we had a perfectly sunny day in the fall to visit!

Tips

There are 2 entrances to the park, and they do not connect. The east entrance is the most popular, and has the Pinnacles National Park Visitors Center. However, my landlord recommended we enter from the west side of the park. This way in gave us continuous breathtaking scenes. If you do enter from the west side, plug into your GPS “Chaparrel Trailhead Parking,” or click on the map below.
Don’t forget your national park pass or be ready to pay the national park entrance fee!
Bring LOTS of water and snacks
Search for condors while you are hiking! Condors are humongous birds that look like vultures. The way to tell the difference is that condors do not have white on their wings and are basically all black. We kept thinking we were seeing condors but they were vultures (and we thought the vultures were huge!).
You can spot the San Andreas Fault Line on the High Peaks Trail facing east. You will see a break in the mountains where it looks like they are shifting.

Explore Pinnacles National Park | BMore Rosie

The Hike

Juniper Canyon Trail -> High Peaks Trail -> Tunnel Trail Loop

Since we entered from the west, we started on the Juniper Canyon Trail and continued along the High Peaks trail (turning left at the intersection with the bench). This ended up being a GREAT stopping point as we were basically doing constant switchbacks for a mile and a half. This trail ended up being 4.5 miles, was moderate-hard due to the steep incline, and took us about 4 hours. It was quite enjoyable however and we really enjoyed the tunnel view! There are many other hikes you can do but this one was recommended by my landlord whose favorite national park is Pinnacles.

On the High Peaks part of the loop, we had amazing views to the east and had a steep incline and decline on stairs with a railing. It was fun! Then we ran into a volunteer who told us information on the San Andreas Fault Line and about condors. See this link for the TikTok video.

Then you will come to another fork in the road, and we took another left to follow the Tunnel Trail instead of continuing along the High Peaks Loop; we were already worn out after 3 miles! We thought this was a great decision but heard that the bear caves are also very cool.

Where to Eat

Viva Espresso

On our way from Santa Cruz to Pinnacles National Park, we passed through Salinas, which has a really good coffee shop next to a grocery store in a strip mall, Viva Espresso. This was recommended by a friend. The barista recommended the Oaxacan Mocha… WOW. Just do it!

Chalone Vineyard

If you go to the west entrance, you will pass Chalone Vineyard on your way (you can’t miss it!). It was recommended by patients but we ended up not going there due to our own time restraints.